Young Guns II

Young Guns II

Year: 1990

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Geoff Murphy

ActionWestern

In 1881, Billy the Kid faces a formidable adversary in ruthless cattle baron John Chisum, who seeks to eliminate the young outlaw. With a bounty placed on his head and law enforcement pursuing him, Billy must fight for his survival against overwhelming odds. The escalating conflict puts his fate and the future of the territory in jeopardy.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Young Guns II yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Young Guns II (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Young Guns II (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1879, 1950

The main events unfold in 1879, a tumultuous period in American history marked by the aftermath of the Lincoln County War and the reign of outlaws. The narrative also parallels a reflection set in 1950, where Brushy Bill attempts to validate his identity and the legacy of Billy the Kid. This juxtaposition highlights the enduring fascination with outlaw legends and their impact on American folklore.

Location

New Mexico, Lincoln County, White Oaks, Fort Sumner

The movie takes place primarily in New Mexico, a region known for its vast deserts and rich history tied to the Wild West. Lincoln County is significant for its lawlessness and infamous feuds, especially surrounding figures like Billy the Kid. White Oaks serves as a backdrop for the gang's fleeting moments of respite, emphasizing the perilous nature of their existence.

🏜️ New Mexico 🏢 Historical 🌵 Outlaw

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:00

Main Characters – Young Guns II (1990)

Meet the key characters of Young Guns II (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brushy Bill Roberts

An elderly man who claims to be Billy the Kid, Brushy Bill serves as the narrative's bridge between the old outlaw days and the present. His character embodies the complexities of identity and the desperate need for validation. Through his storytelling, he provides insights into the legendary figure of Billy and reflects on the passage of time.

👴 Elderly 📖 Storyteller 📜 Identity

Billy the Kid

Billy the Kid is portrayed as a charismatic and cunning outlaw navigating a treacherous world filled with adversaries. His defiance against authority and his quest for freedom paint him as a tragic hero. Throughout the film, Billy's complex relationships with his gang and former allies reveal his struggles with loyalty and betrayal.

🔫 Outlaw ⚔️ Tragic Hero 🚀 Freedom

Pat Garrett

Once a friend to Billy, Pat Garrett becomes an antagonist, caught between his duty as sheriff and his past allegiance to the outlaw. His determination to capture Billy showcases the theme of conflict within the law and the personal repercussions of enforcing it. Garrett’s internal struggle makes him a compelling character reflecting the harsh realities of the time.

👮 Sheriff 🥊 Conflict 🔄 Loyalty

Doc Scurlock

Doc Scurlock is depicted as a loyal friend of Billy, who transitions from an outlaw to a man trying to lead a normal life as a schoolteacher. His capture alongside fellow Regulators highlights the dangers they face, and ultimately his sacrifice encapsulates the tragic fate of many outlaws. Doc's character battens the bonds of friendship against the backdrop of violence.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 🤝 Loyalty ❤️ Sacrifice

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:00

Major Themes – Young Guns II (1990)

Explore the central themes of Young Guns II (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏴‍☠️ Outlaw Legacy

The theme of the outlaw legacy permeates the film, reflecting on the life and times of Billy the Kid. It explores the complexities of heroism and villainy, showcasing how legends can be romanticized over time. The film raises questions about identity and the motives behind legendary figures' choices, ultimately entrapping them within their infamous reputations.

⚖️ Justice and Betrayal

Justice is a central theme, particularly through the lens of betrayal experienced by Billy and his gang. The film examines the betrayal of trust among allies and the corrupt systems of authority that seek to impose their will. This theme is further illustrated by the consequences of their choices, highlighting the thin line between justice and vengeance.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:00

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Tragic Outlaw Stories like Young Guns II

Stories of iconic outlaws on the run, grappling with their myth and mortality.If you enjoyed the story of Billy the Kid in Young Guns II, explore similar movies about famous outlaws and rebels facing their downfall. These films capture the intense action, heavy emotional weight, and bittersweet reflection on a life of infamy.

outlaw spirittragicgrittymelancholictensereflectivenostalgic

Narrative Summary

These narratives often follow a relentless chase or pursuit, pitting a charismatic but doomed outlaw against a formidable system or adversary. The journey is punctuated by betrayal, loss, and moments of reflection on the cost of theirlegend, leading to an emotionally heavy and fateful conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a high-intensity, fast-paced narrative drive centered on a historical or mythical outlaw figure. They blend gritty action with a melancholic, reflective tone, creating a poignant exploration of fame, survival, and the tragic arc of a rebellious life.

Movies about Brotherhood Under Fire like Young Guns II

Tense stories of loyalties tested within a close-knit group facing extinction.Fans of the Regulators' dynamic in Young Guns II will appreciate these films about tight-knit groups facing overwhelming odds. These stories explore themes of loyalty, survival, and the heartbreaking sacrifices made when a family of choice is torn apart.

tensetragicgrittybrotherhoodbetrayalsurvivalmelancholic

Narrative Summary

The plot typically involves a group being hunted or cornered, forcing them into a series of tense confrontations and escapes. The emotional core is the erosion of trust and friendship under extreme pressure, leading to betrayals and deaths that highlight the fragility of their bond.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared focus on a 'band of brothers' dynamic collapsing under the weight of pursuit and violence. They combine a fast pace with a heavy emotional weight, creating a gripping and ultimately tragic viewing experience centered on fractured loyalties.

Unlock the Full Story of Young Guns II

Don't stop at just watching — explore Young Guns II in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Young Guns II is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Young Guns II Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Young Guns II, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Young Guns II Summary

Young Guns II Timeline

Track the full timeline of Young Guns II with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Young Guns II Timeline

Young Guns II Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Young Guns II that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Young Guns II Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Young Guns II

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Young Guns II: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Young Guns II

Similar Movies to Young Guns II

Discover movies like Young Guns II that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.